Utica University - Online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Programs (Three Specializations)

The Utica University Center for Identity Management and Information Protection offers an online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program with one of three specializations: Cyber Operations; Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation; and Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation. The program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). Students must complete an internship or a senior project to graduate.

Topics covered in the Cyber Operations specialization include information security programming, defensive and offensive techniques, vulnerability assessment, training in UNIX, system architecture, and sorting and searching algorithms.

The Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation specialization covers topics including computer forensics investigations, cryptography, fraud prevention, steganography, economic crime theory, compliance, and detection technologies.

The Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation specialization combines computer science and computer forensics to investigate cybersecurity incidents. Topics covered include cybersecurity scripting; technical aspects of system vulnerability investigations including data collection, digital imaging, and data recovery; network forensics; and Python programming.

The online BS in Cybersecurity courses begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer and the program can be completed in two to four years depending on the number of credits transferred in. Up to 90 credits may be transferred in which could significantly shorten the time to completion. The program is 100% online with no campus visits required. A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher is required, along with transferred credits.

Utica University delivers courses asynchronously through the Engage Learning Management System (LMS). Online interaction includes discussion boards, online chat, and email. Students must choose a six-credit internship or a three- to six-credit senior project. If students elect a three-credit senior project they must take an additional 300-level course elective with advisor permission.

The online BS in Cybersecurity degree comprises 120 credits. Students must take or transfer in 34 to 55 credits of general degree requirements. Additionally, students complete major course requirements, professional development courses, specialization courses, and electives as necessary to complete the 120 credit total required.

Major course requirements may include Seminar in Justice Studies; Introduction to Criminal Justice; Cyber Technologies for Criminal Justice or Computer Hardware and Peripherals; Software Foundations for Cybersecurity; Information Security; Cybercrime Law and Investigations; Jurisprudence of the Criminal law; and Information Systems Threats, Attacks & Defenses. Other course requirements may include an ethics course; a statistics course; Criminology; Criminological Research Methods; and Mathematics for Cyber Security. Professional development courses may include Proseminar in Justice Studies and either Criminal Justice – Internship or Senior Project.

Cyber Operations specialization courses may include Introduction to Cyber Operations; Object-oriented Programming; Cyber Operations Tools; Introduction to Networks or Computer Network Investigations; Applied Cryptography; Introduction to Malware Analysis; System Vulnerability Assessment; and Computer Science I.

Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation specialization courses may include Cybercrime Investigations and Forensics I-III; Fraud Prevention and Detection Technologies; Payment Systems and Fraud; Economic Crime Theory or White-Collar Criminology; and Applied Cryptography or Information Assurance Risk and Compliance.

Network Forensics and Intrusion Investigation specialization courses may include Cybercrime Investigations and Forensics I-III; System Vulnerability Assessment; Incident Response and Forensic Investigations; Mobile Device Forensics; Network Forensics; and Computer Science I.

Utica University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The BS in Cybersecurity is accredited by the National Centers of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE).